Automatic adjustable sprinkler



Aug.v 27, 1968 R. DAGARO 3,398,894

AUTOMATIC ADJUSTABLE SPRINKLER Filed Aug. 26, 1965 4 Sheets-Sheet lINYENTOR FI G 0 6. Raymond DAgaro BY Mm@ @EELS Aug. 27, 1968 R. D'AGARoAUTOMATIC ADJUSTABLE SPRINKLER Filed Aug. 26, 1965 IOG 4 Sheets-Sheet 2INVENTOR Raymond DAgaro ATTORNEYS 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 ug. 27, 1968 R.DAGARO AUTOMATIC ADJUSTABLE SPRINKLER Filed Aug. 26, 1965 ug- 27, 1968R. D'AGARo 3,398,894

AUTOMATIC ADJUSTABLE SPRINKLER l Filed Aug. 26, 1965 4 sheets-sheet LFlags.

INVENTOR R ay mond D'Agoro BY W ATTORNEYS United States Patent O3,398,894 AUTOMATIC ADJUSTABLE SPRINKLER Raymond DAgaro, S601 NE. 9thAve., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. 33308 Filed Aug. 26, 1965, Ser. No. 482,777Claims. (Cl. 239-97) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE An automatic sprinklerincluding an inclined nozzle unit rotatably mounted on a base andsupplied with water under pressure, said nozzle unit having a closedlower end and a nozzle head at its upper end, a valve stem cooperatingwith the nozzle head and extending through the closed end, the stem whenshifted progressively varying the characteristics of the emitted waterfrom a solid stream to a spray and to complete shut off, with cam meanscooperating with the extended end of the stem for shifting same wherebya continuous pumping action takes place during the time that water underpress-ure is admitted to the nozzle unit causing a repetitiousconstantly varying spray cycle ranging from a solid stream, a spray ofvarying characteristics, and to complete shut-off for each setting ofthe cam.

This invention is an automatic sprinkler adapted or designed to waterany shape area, such as round, square, oval, triangle, or otherwise. Theobject of this invention is to cut down the cost of a sprinkler systemby eliminating the high cost of providing multiple heads, and excesspiping involving high labor costs, since my novel sprinkler system onlyrequires approximately two units for covering the entire lawn of theaverage home, each unit being easy to set up and to adjust. Each unithas about thirty-six adjustments of the cam, and each unit has a minimumof moving parts to give it a long and useful life. Each unit is designedto sit ilush on the ground for a permanent underground system, or may beportable so that same can be lifted from its ground sockets for easyremovability, and then replaced into said sockets in the -ground toprevent necessity of readjustment of the parts of the -unit once it hasbeen removed and replaced.

More specifically, the principal object of my invention is to provide anautomatic sprinkler comprising a base, a sleeve in said base, a nozzleunit rotatably mounted in said sleeve at an angle to the base; means forsupplying water under pressure into said unit through said sleeve;

said unit comprising a body communicating with the water supply andhaving a closed lower end; a nozzle head in the upper end of said bodyhaving an orifice; a valve stem slidable in said nozzle orifice andextending through a bore in the closed end of the body and extendingbeyond the said end, said stem being axially slidable into and out ofthe said orifice and having means to vary the characteristics of thesprinkled water from a solid stream to a spray of progressively varyingcharacteristics and to a complete shut off; a diaphragm casing securedto the rear end of the body through which the extended end of the stempasses; a diaphragm in said casing secured to the stem and forming withthe front wall of the casing a pressure chamber therein; a ductconstantly connecting the interior of the body with said pressurechamber for building up water pressure in the chamber to retract thestern and open the orice; means in said casing normally yieldably urgingthe stem to close the orice; a second chamber at the rear end of thestem havin-g an axial outlet orifice; a ball valve in said secondchamber; a second duct in the stem connecting the pressure chamber withsaid second chamber whereby the water pressure will seat the ball valve;and means for "ice automatically unseating the ball valve to relieve thewater pressure in the pressure chamber and second chamber and permittingthe yieldable means to shift the stem into nozzle closing position,whereby a continuous pumping action will take place during the time thatwater under pressure is admitted into the nozzle unit.

A further object of the invention is to provide in a sprinkler of theabove type, said unseating means comprising a lateral horizontal framesecured at one end to the rear end of the valve stern and movabletherewith; a pivot bolt on said frame; a tripper plate pivoted on saidbolt having a lug adapted in one position of the tripper plate to enterthe outlet oriiice of the second chamber and to unseat the ball valvethereby relieving pressure in the rst and second chambers; a turning armpivoted on said bolt having a triangular head at its outer end, meansyieldably connecting the inner ends of the arm and plate whereby as thearm is pivoted forwardly of the stem the plate will be snapped to enterthe lug into the outlet orifice, and when the arm is pivoted in theopposite direction the lng will be snapped out of the orifice; one ormore cams vertically adjustably mounted on the base aligned with saidhead of the turning arm, said cams having inwardly and downwardlyinclined inner faces adapted to be engaged by the head of the turningarm as the stem is moved rearwardly by the pressure in the rst chamberand to actuate the tripper plate to unseat the ball valve; and astarting rod mounted on the diaphragm casing adapted to engage theturning arm and limit its forward movement, thereby causing the lug ofthe tripper plate to snap back into position to close the orifice,whereby the water will be sprayed in a repetitious constantly varyingcycle ranging from a solid stream, a spray of varying characteristicsand to complete shut-olf for each setting of each cam.

Other minor objects of the invention will be hereinafter set forth.

I will explain the invention with reference to the accompanying drawingswhich illustrate several practical embodiments thereof to enable othersfamiliar with the art to adopt and use the same, and will summarize inthe claims the novel features of construction, and novel combinations ofparts, for which protection is desired.

In said drawings:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of my automatic adjustable sprinkler.

FIG. 2 is a vertical section therethrough showing the base removablysupported above the ground surface.

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 but showing the base permanentlymounted flush with the ground surface.

FIG. 4 is a horizontal sectionthrough the sprinkler showing the parts inthe positions assumed when the main valve has completed its forwardstroke and has cocked the turning arm to let the ball valve close sothat the main valve stem can start its backward stroke.

FIG. 5 is a View similar to FIG. 4 but showing the parts in thepositions assumed after the turning arm has been forced back against thecam turning the unit through a small angle and then has been tripped sothat the check valve will be opened to allow pressure to escape from thechamber to let the stem move forwardly.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of one of the many area patterns which the unitcan spray by means of the adjustable cams.

FIG. 7 is a rear view of the assembly.

As shown, my automatic adjustable sprinkler preferably comprises a base1 of circular shape having a central tapped bore 1a receiving thethreaded end 2a of a sleeve 2 which is nonrotatably maintained in thebase, the lower end of the sleeve 2 projecting below the lower face ofthe base 1, as shown in FIGS. l, 2 and 3, so that when the base 1 ismounted flush with the ground surface G, as shown in FIG. 3, the samemay be readily connected to a water inlet pipe 3 which is embedded belowthe ground surface G, and has a branch 3a connected to the lower end ofthe sleeve 2 by means of adaptors X and Y and key Z (FIG. 3).

Or, when the valve 1 is mounted above the ground surface G, as shown inFIG. 2, the lower end of the sleeve 2 may be connected by suitable elbow4 to a flexible or other water hose 5 or the like lying on the groundsurface. In this latter case the base 1 would be mounted on legs 6, FIG.2, extending from the underside of the base and adapted to fit withinshallow sockets 7 permanently embedded ush with the ground surface G.Thus the base 1 of the sprinkler can be set flush with the groundsurface G for permanent installation or can be supported by pegs 6 whichcan be inserted directly into the ground or into receiving sockets 7which would be driven into the ground until the upper ends are ush withthe ground surface G. Preferably the pegs 6 and sockets 7 are of oddsizes or shapes so that the pegs 6 must always be replaced in thesockets in the same location and positions they were at the time thebase was removed. This provides for easy removability, and prevents thenecessity of readjustment of the cam, hereinafter referred to, once thebase plate 1 has been removed and replaced.

Within the sleeve 2, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, is a rotatable tube 8having a threaded upper end 8a and having at its lower end a tlange 8bengaging the lower end of sleeve 2 to prevent the tube 8 from rising outof the sleeve 2 under the pressure of water passing therethrough fromthe pipe 3 or hose 5. Tube 8 is adapted to rotate in a clockwisedirection. If desired, a gasket 9 may be provided between the annularflange 8b and the lower end of sleeve 2 to prevent Water leakage.

Mounted on the upper end of tube 8 is a nozzle unit 10 having aninternally threaded inlet 10a intermediate its end disposed at an angleto the axis of the unit 10, as shown in the drawings, whereby the nozzleunit 10 Will slope upwardly at an angle, The inlet 10a is internallythreaded to receive the external threads 8a of tube 8, and waterentering the tube -8 passes through inlet 10a and into the nozzle unitwhich is preferably cylindrical as shown, same being closed at its lowerinner end by a Wall 10b. The outer upper end of unit 10 is internallythreaded as at 10e to receive a nozzle head 11, shown in FIGS. 4 and 5,which is externally threaded as at 11a to engage the threads 10e, andpreferably the nozzle head 11 is provided at its 4outer end with anannular flange 11b. The bore of the nozzle head 11 is contracted as at11C, the inner end of the bore 11c enlarging as at 11d and the outer endof the bore enlarging as at 11e, the reduced portion 11C being adaptedto receive the end of a valve stem 12 ot' slightly smaller diameter thanthe bore 11e so as to make a sliding fit therein. The stem 12 isconically contracted as at 12a adjacent its outer end and is providedwith a smaller annular head 12b at its outer end in the manner of anordinary sprinkling valve of a watering hose, whereby when valve stem 12is positioned in the bore 11C, as shown in FIG. 4, the tlow of Waterthrough the nozzle head 11 will be shut ott, but as the valve stern 12is moved to the right, FIG. 4, the bore 11e will be progressively openedso that the Water issuing from the nozzle 11 will be broken up into a nespray or will issue a solid stream. The further the stern 12 iswithdrawn into the nozzle member 10, the more water can pass through thenozzle bore 11C, thus controlling the trajectory of the water stream,the same working on the same principle as an ordinary hose nozzle. Asabove stated, when the stem 12 is Imoved all the way forward, as shownin FIG. 4, the ow of water through the orifice llt` is stopped, but whenthe stern 12 is fully withdrawn from the orifice, as shown in FIG. 5,the water will issue from the nozzle in the form of a solid stream,having a maximum trajectory from the base 1 depending upon the waterpressure in the unit 10.

Valve stem 12 is thus axially movable within the nozzle unit 10 and itsinner end makes a sliding tit Within a bore 10c in the closed end 10b ofthe nozzle unit 10, the end of the stem projecting beyond the inner end10b as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, and being externally threaded as at 12C,FIG. 5, to engage the internal threads of a tubular sleeve 13 whichprojects beyond the inner end of stem 12. The inner end of sleeve 13 ishemispherically formed as at 13a and has an axially disposed orice 13bin its inner end adapted to be closed by a ball check valve 14 withinsleeve 13 when water under pressure is admitted into sleeve 13.

Attached to the inner end 10b of nozzle unit 10 is a diaphragm chamberdefined by opposed casing sections 15 and 16, section 15 having anexternally threaded ange 15a at its periphery, and section 16 having aradial flange 16a adapted to lie opposite the radial face of flange 15a,the parts being clamped together by means of an internally threaded ring17 engaging the threads of the flange 15a, ring 17 having a radialflange 17a engaging the radial peripheral ange 16a of member 16, asshown in FIGS. 4 and 5, whereby when ring 17 is tightened the Outerperipheries of the members 15 and 16 will be drawn together.

Clamped between the peripheral flanges 15a and 16a is the periphery of adiaphragm 18, which is tightly squeezed between the ilanges 15a and 16awhen the parts are assembled. The inner end of the valve stem 12 passesthrough a hole in the center of diaphragm 18, as shown in FIG. 4, and issecurely clamped in position on stern 12 between spaced circular plates19 and 20, the hole in the membrane 18 being moulded or sealed to oraround the valve stem 12 so as to prevent passage of tluid therepastalong the stem 12, for the purpose hereinafter described.

By the above construction the inward movement of valve stem 12 iscontrolled by water pressures set up Within the diaphragm chamber 15-16.The inner end of section 16 is closed by a wall 1Gb having a bore 16Cslidably receiving the tubular sleeve 13 on stem 12, which sleeveprojects beyond the wall 16b. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a coiled spring21 is disposed around the sleeve 13 within the diaphragm chamber 15-16,one end of spring 21 engaging the wall 16b and the other end engagingthe plate 20 carried by the valve stem 12 so that normally when no waterpressure is present within the diaphragm chamber 1S-16 spring 21 willyeldably urge the membrane 18 to assume the position shown in FIG. 4,moving therewith the valve stem 12 into such position that the ow ofwater through the orifice 11e of nozzle 11 is shut off, and waterentering the nozzle unit 10 through the inlet 10a cannot be expelledthrough the orifice 11C.

In the bore 10c of end wall 10b of the nozzle unit 10 is an axial groove10d for the passage of water at all times therethrough from the innerend of t-he nozzle unit 10, into the pressure chamber or space 22 of thediaphragm chamber 15-16 which is disposed between the Wall 15 thereofand the diaphragm `18, so that Water pressure will build up within thechamber 22 and thereby moving the diaphragm 18 and valve stem 12 fromthe position shown in FIG. 4 gradually towards the position shown inFIG. 5, thereby gradually opening the nozzle orice 11C, the spring 21being progressively contracted into the position shown in FIG. 5.

A transverse bore 23, FIG. S is provided in the stem 12 just in advanceof the circular plate 19, and communieating with the transverse bore 23is an axial bore 24 in stem 12 which extends from the transverse bore 23to the inner end of the valve stem 12, thereby permitting water whichaccumulates in the chamber 22 between the Wall 15 Iand diaphragm 18 topass through the bores 23 and 24 to the inner end of the sleeve 13 andthereby position the ball check valve 14 against the orifice 13b toclose the latter and to thereby permit the water pressure in the chamber22 to build up until the valve stem 12 has lassumed the position shownin FIG. 5 in which the orifice 11C is fully opened, or at least untilthe ball check valve 14 is unseated from the orifice A131') to relievethe water pressure in chamber 22 and sleeve 13, as hereinafterexplained.

Thus with the parts in normal position shown in FIG. 4, when water isadmitted into the nozzle member through inlet 10a, the valve stem 12closing the nozzle bore 11C, the water pressure wit-hin nozzle unit 10will start to build up within the diaphragm chamber 22, the waterpassing through the groove 10d and into the chamber 22, andsimultaneously passing through the bores 23 and 24 of the stem 12 intothe outer end of sleeve 13, thereby causing the ball check valve 14 toclose the orifice 13b, the pressure continuing to build up in chamber 22as long as the ball valve 14 is seated across orice 13b. During thebuilding up of pressure in chamber 22 the valve stem will beprogressively moved to the right, FIGS. 4 and 5, by the diaphragm 18,thereby retracting the outer end of stem 12 from orifice 11e until theorifice 11c is completely opened. When, however, the ball valve 14 isunseated from orifice 13b the water under pressure in the chamber 22 andsleeve 13 will be released, the water draining through the openedorifice 13b so that the spring 21 under compression I(FIG. 5) willgradually shift the valve stern 12 to the left until the valve 12completely closes the nozzle orifice 11c, as shown in FIG. 4. Thus myarrangement provides la continuous pumping action which continues duringthe entire time that water under pressure is admitted into t-he nozzleunit 10.

As shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 7, at the inner end of the sleeve 13 is ahorizontal frame 31 preferably welded or otherwise attached to thesleeve 13 so as to be axially movable with the stern 12 and sleeve 13,said frame 31 having an upstanding flange 31a disposed parallel with andlaterally of the sleeve 13. Through the upturned ange 31a is threaded ascrew 42 around which is disposed a coiled spring 43 between the iheadof the screw and the iifange 31a, the spring preventing accidentalrotation of the screw due to vibration or the like.

Mounted in the frame 31 is an upstanding pivot bolt 38 on which isjournaled a tripper plate 35 having an enlargement 35a at one enddisposed opposite the inner end of the screw 42, the axis of the bolt 38beinig offset from that of the screw 42, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. Theopposite end of the tripper plate 35 extends across the axis of theorifice 13b, and on the adjacent edge of the tripper plate 35 is a lug35b adapted in one position of the tripper plate to enter the orice 13bof sleeve 13 and will engage and unseat the ball check valve 14, asshown in FIG. 5, while in another position of the tripper plate 35 thelug 35h will be withdrawn from the orifice 13b to permit seating of theball check valve 14, 'as shown in FIG. 4.

Pivoted on the bolt 38 is a turning arm 32 disposed parallel with theframe 31 and tripper plate 35, the inner end of turning arm 32terminating short of the corresponding end of the tripper plate 35 asshown in FIG. 5, while the outer end of the turning arm 32 is providedwith a lateral triangular head 32a as shown, to cooperate with a cam 50hereinafter described. The turning ar-m 32, tripper plate 35, and theframe 31 are normally maintained in spaced relation by washers 39, FIG.7, and the assembly is held loosely on the bolt 38 by a nut 40.

In the inner end of the tripper plate 35 is a lhole 34, while in theinner portion of the turning arm 32 is a hole 33; and -a coiled spring37 has its ends respectively engaging or locked in the holes 34 and 35,which holes 34 and 35 are offset axially of the sleeve 13, as shown inFIGS. 4 and 5.

By the above construction, when check valve 14 closes water pressure isbuilt up in the chamber 22 of the diaphragm casing forcing rearwardlythe diaphragm 18, stem 12, sleeve 13, spring 21 and the entire turningarm assembly which is attached to the sleeve 13. As the turning arm 32is being forced back against the cam 50 (FIG. 5) it will turn the nozzleunit 10 in sleeve 2 approximately 3746" by contact of the point 32a withthe cam 50. Nozzle unit 10 must rotate to cover the complete area.

At this time of operation the hole 33 of the turning arm 32 will passrearwardly of the hole 34 in the tripper 3S, as shown in FIG. 5, causingthe tripper 35- to snap forwardly and to unseat the check valve 14. Asit cornpletes its forward movement the turning arm 32 will be forcedback by the starting rod 36, FIG. 4, which is mounted upon the diaphragmcasing section 16, whereupon the hole 33 will pass the center point ofthe hole 34 as it had done previously but in the opposite direction,causing the tripper 35 to snap back into the position shown in FIG. 4and allow the check valve 14 to seat or close, thus permitting thebuilding up of pressure in the chamber 22 again to repeat the cycle, theunit working on a continuous pumping action. For any setting of the cam50 the water is therefore not sprayed in a continuous stream, but in aconstantly varying cycle ranging from a solid stream, a spray of varyingcharacteristics, to a complete stoppage of the water, the cycle beingrepeated over and over again.

The setting screw 42, which is inserted through spring 43 to maintaintension on the screw so that it does not work loose and become lost, isused to adjust the various independent adjustments of the cam 50, whichcontrol the trajectory of the water stream. As shown in FIGS. l, 2 and3, cam 50 is mounted on the periphery of the base 1, preferably threadedon spaced threaded studs 45 which are journaled in the periphery of thebase and secured therein by nuts 46 so as to be rotatable but notaxially movable. Each cam 50 is mounted upon the rods 45 and can bevertically adjusted to any height limited by the height of the rods 45by merely rotating the rods 45 in the manner of wing nuts. The cams 50which are adjusted on the rods or thumbscrews 45, each have an inclinedface adapted to be cont-acted by the end 32a of the turning arm 32, andpreferably the inclined face of the cam has vertical grooves 50atherein, FIG. 1, to keep the turning arm from slipping when engaged withsaid grooves. The cams 50 may also be interlocked by means of dovetailedkeys 47, as shown in FIG. 1, to prevent them from twisting and turning.

On the casing member 16 of the diaphragm is a telescopic starting rod 36adapted to engage the turning arm 32, the extensible outer end of therod 36 being maintained in position by a spring lock 44 (FIG. 4). Sincestarting rod 36 restricts the turning arm 32 from forward movement it ismade retractable, and must be retracted manually into position for thesetting of cam 50` when stem 13 and frame 31 are in their forwardpositions. If starting rod 36 was of fixed length it would be impossibleto move the turning arm forwardly and hence starting rod 36 is onlymanually retracted during the setting of the cam 50 and must be returnedto the extended position so that the unit can operate automatically.

In adjusting the sprinkler the starting rod lock 44, FIG. 4, should becompressed at points A and slid forwardly on arm 36 in order that theturning arm 32 can be tripped forwardly to maintain the =ball checkvalve open or unseated. The water can now be turned on and the unit willremain idle. However, the setting screw 42 must then 'be turned in veryslowly to force back the tripper 35 so that the check ball valve 14 willslowly seat, causing pressure to build up in the chamber 22, whereuponthe stem 12 and sleeve 13 will 'begin to move rearwardly.

When the desired water trajectory has been reached, the operator stopsturning the setting screw 42 and the stem 12 will remain stationary. Thethumbscrews 45 which are inserted through the base 1 are now rotated inorder to raise the cam 50 from the base and until the inclined groovedsurface 50a thereof touches the tip 32a of the turning arm 3-2. Each ofthe various adjustments of cams 50 around the base 1 must be set in theabove manner, whereupon starting rod 36 should be extended into itsnormal position shown in FIG. 4 to now make the unit fully automatic.

FIG. 6 shows a plan of a plot or area to be watered using a singlesprinkler unit 1 disposed adjacent the center of the irregular area. InFIG. 6 the radial lines 70 sho-Wn in dot-and-dash lines indicate variousangular adjustments of the unit in the sleeve 2 to Water substantiallythe entire irregular area, each line 70 requiring its own separate watertrajectory adjustment of the cam or cams 50. FIG. 6 illustrates how anirregular shaped area can be watered utilizing only a single sprinklerunit, which is susceptible to the various adjustments hereinabovedescribed. Thus my invention is designed to water any shape area, suchas round, square, oval, triangle, or otherwise.

The object of my invention is to cut down on the cost of a sprinklersystem. It eliminates the high cost of multiple heads, excess pipinginvolving high labor costs, and still serves to sprinkle the full area.It takes approximately two units for the average home. It is easy to setup and adjust. It has thirty-six more or less adjustments in the camswhich move up and down in a vertical position by turning the thumbscrews45 clockwise or countrclockwise. This unit has a minimum of moving partsto give it a long and useful life. It is designed to sit flush on theground for a permanent underground system, or can be lifted from itssockets 7 for easy removability. This unit can also be used as atemporary or portable sprinkler simply by adding a hose coupling andlegs 6 which can be either inserted directly into the ground or into thesockets 7 placed in the ground toprevent necessity of readjustment ofthe unit once it has been removed.

I do not limit my invention to the exact form shown in the drawings, forobviously changes may be made therein within the scope of the claims.

I claim:

1. An automatic sprinkler comprising a base, a sleeve in said base, anozzle unit rotatably mounted in said sleeve at an angle to the base;means for supplying water under pressure into said unit through saidsleeve; said -unt comprising a body communicating with the water supplyand having a closed lower end; a nozzle head in in the upper end of saidbody having an orifice; a valve stem slidable in said nozzle orifice andextending through a bore in the closed end of the body and extendingbeyond the said end, said stem being axially slidable into and out ofthe said orifice and having means to vary the characteristics of thesprinkled water from a solid stream to a spray of progressively varyingcharacteristics and to a complete shut off; a diaphragm casing securedto the rear end of the body through which the extended end of the stempasses; a diaphragm in said casing secured to the stem and forming withthe front wall of the casing a pressure chamber therein; a ductconstantly connecting the interior of the body with said pressurechamber for building up Water pressure in the chamber to retract thestem and open the orifice; means in said casing normally yieldablyurging the stem to close the orifice; a second chamber at the rear endof the stem having an axial outlet orifice; a ball valve in said secondchamber; a second duct in the stem connecting the pressure chamber withsaid second chamber whereby the Water pressure will seat the ball valve;and means for automatically unseating the ball valve to relieve thewater pressure in the pressure chamber and second chamber and permittingthe yieldable means to shift the stem into nozzle closing position,whereby a continuous pumping action will take place during the time thatwater under pressure is admitted into the nozzle unit.

2. In a sprinkler as set forth in claim 1, said base being setpermanently in the ground, and said supplying means comprising anunderground water -pipe connected to said sleeve.

3. In a sprinkler as set forth in claim 1, said base having legsengaging sockets embedded in the ground; the said legs and theirrespective sockets being of different sizes whereby the base whenremoved and replaced will always be located in the same position as whenremoved Without necessitating readjustment of the ball valve unseatingmeans upon each replacement; and said supplying means comprising a waterhose connected to said sleeve.

4. In a sprinkler as set forth in claim 1, said unseating meanscomprising a lateral horizontal frame secured at one end to the rear endof the valve stem and movable therewith; a pivot bolt on said frame; atripper plate pivoted on said bolt having a lug adapted in one positionof the tripper plate to enter the outlet orifice of the second chamberand to unseat the ball valve thereby relieving pressure in the first andsecond chambers; a turning arm pivoted on said bolt having a triangularhead at its outer end, means yieldably connecting the inner ends of thearm and plate whereby as the arm is pivoted forwardly of the stern theplate will be snapped to enter the lug into the outlet orifice, and whenthe arm is pivoted in the opposite direction the lug will be snapped outof the oritice; one or more cams vertically adjustably mounted on thebase aligned with said head of the turning arm, said cams havinginwardly and downwardly inclined inner faces adapted to be engaged bythe head of the turning arm as the `stern is moved rearwardly by thepressure in the first chamber and to actuate the tripper plate to unseatthe ball valve; and a starting rod mounted on the diaphragm casingadapted to engage the turning arm and limit its forward movement,thereby causing the lug of the tripper plate to snap back into positionto close the orifice, whereby the water will be sprayed in a repetitiousconstantly varying cycle ranging from a solid stream, a spray of varyingcharacteristics and to complete shut-off for each setting of each cam.

5. In a sprinkler as set forth in claim 4, said engagement of theturning arm and cam rotating the nozzle unit in the sleeve through aslight angular increment.

`6. In a sprinkler as set forth in claim 4, a screw threaded into theframe offset from the pivot bolt and adapted to engage the tripper plateto open the ball valve and thereby adjust the trajectory of the waterstream issuing from the nozzle head; and means on the screw forresisting accidental rotation of the screw.

7. In a sprinkler as set forth in claim 4, each cam being mounted upon ascrew rod rotatable in the base and engaging tapped holes therefor inthe cams, whereby rotation of the screw rod will adjust the height ofthe cam with respect to the turning arm.

S. In a sprinkler as set forth in claim 7, adjacent cams beinginterlocked by means of dovetailed keys.

9. In a sprinkler as set forth in claim 7, said inclined faces of thecams having vertical grooves therein to keep the arm from slippinglaterally thereon.

10. In a sprinkler as set forth in claim 4, said starting rod having anouter telescopic outer portion which is retractable to permit setting ofthe related cam; and a spring look on the extensible outer portionnormally maintaining same in extended position.

11. An automatic sprinkler comprising a circular base, a sleeve in saidbase, a nozzle unit rotatably mounted in said sleeve at an angel to thebase; means for supplying water under pressure into said unit throughsaid sleeve; said unit comprising a body communicating with the watersupply and having a closed lower end; a nozzle head in the upper end ofsaid body having an orifice; a valve stem slidable in said nozzleorifice and extending through a bore in the closed end of the fbody andextending beyond the said end, said stem being axially slidable into andout of the said orifice and having means to vary the characteristics ofthe spinkled water from a solid stream to a spray of progressivelyvarying characteristics and to a complete shut off; and means forautomatically shifting the stern whereby a continuous pumping actionwill take place during the time that water under pressure is admittedinto the nozzle unit.

12. In a sprinkler as set forth in claim 11, said base being setpermanently in the ground, and said supplying means comprising anunderground water pipe connected to said sleeve.

13. In a sprinkler as set forth in claim 11, said base having legsengaging sockets embedded in the ground; the said legs and theirrespective sockets being of diifen ent sizes whereby the base whenremoved and replaced will always be located in the same position as whenremoved without necessitating readjustment upon each replacement; andsaid supplying means comprising a water hose connected to said sleeve.

14. In a sprinkler as set forth in claim 11, said shifting meanscomprising a lateral horizontal frame secured at one end to the rear endof the valve stem and movable therewith; a pivot bolt on said frame; atripper plate pivoted on said bolt adapted to control the forwardmovement of the stem; a turning arm pivoted on said bolt and adapted tocontrol the movement of the stem in the rearward direction and having atriangular head at its outer end; means yieldably connecting the innerends of the arm and plate whereby as the arm is pivoted forwardly of thestem the plate will be snapped into action and when the arm is pivotedin the opposite direction the plate will be snapped out of action; oneor more cams vertically adjustably mounted on the periphery of the basehaving inwardly and downwardly inclined inner faces adapted to beengaged by the head of the turning arm as the stem is moved rearwardly,and to snap the tripper plate into action; and a starting rod mounted onthe diaphragm casing adapted to engage the turning arm and limit itsforward movement, thereby causing the tripper plate to snap out ofaction, whereby the water will be sprayed in a repetitious constantlyvarying cycle ranging from a solid stream, a spray of varyingcharacteristics and to complete shut-off for each setting of each cam.

15. In a sprinkler as set forth in claim 14, said engagement of theturning arm and cam rotating the nozzle unit in the sleeve through aslight angular increment.

16. In a sprinkler as set forth in claim 14, a screw threaded into theframe offset from the pivot bolt and adapted to engage the tripper plateto bring the same into action and to adjust the trajectory of the waterstream issuing from the nozzle head; and a spring around said screwbetween the ange and screw head for preventing accidental rotation ofthe screw.

17. In a sprinkler as set forth in claim 14, each cam being mounted upona screw rod rotatable in the base and engaging tapped holes therefor inthe cams whereby rotation of the screw rod will adjust the height of thecam with respect to the turning arm.

18. In a sprinkler as set forth in claim 17, adjacent cams beinginterlocked by means of dovetailed keys.

19. In a sprinkler as set forth in claim 17, said inclined faces of thecams having vertical grooves therein to keep the arm from slippinglaterally thereon.

20. In a sprinkler as set forth in claim 14, said starting rod having anouter telescopic outer portion which is retractable to permit setting ofthe related cam; and a spring lock on the extensible outer portionnormally maintaining same in extended position.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,031,176 7/1912 Gilpin 239-2761,143,293 6/1915 Luehrs 239-452 1,719,790 7/1929 Van Aken 239-2272,681,250 6/ 1954 Metcalf et al. 239-227 2,780,488 2/ 1957 Kennedy239-276 2,943,765 7/ 1960 Glasgow et al. 103-50 2,962,220 11/ 1960 Woods239-97 2,999,643 9/ 1961 Kennedy 239-236 3,053,461 9/ 1962 Inglis239-409 3,093,313 6/1963 Salminen 239-97 3,095,148 6/ 1963 Smith 239-276M. HENSON WOOD, IR., Primary Examiner.

V. M. WIGMAN, Assistant Examiner.

